NDA I General Ability Test 2015: Complete Question Paper Analysis & Preparation Strategy
Subject-wise Distribution
| Subject | Questions | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Science & Technology | 51 | 51.5% |
| Geography | 17 | 17.2% |
| History & Culture | 12 | 12.1% |
| Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | 7 | 7.1% |
| Polity & Governance | 6 | 6.1% |
| Environment & Ecology | 4 | 4% |
| Economy | 2 | 2% |
Topic-wise Breakdown
| Subject | Topic | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Science & Technology | Basic Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) | 48 |
| Geography | World Physical Geography | 9 |
| Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | Sports, Games & Awards | 5 |
| Geography | Indian Economic Geography | 4 |
| History & Culture | National Movement (1857–1947) | 4 |
| History & Culture | Ancient India | 4 |
| Polity & Governance | Constitutional Basics & Evolution | 3 |
| Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | Persons in News, Books & Authors | 2 |
| Geography | Indian Physical Geography | 2 |
| History & Culture | Modern India (Pre-1857) | 2 |
| Polity & Governance | Fundamental Rights, DPSP & Fundamental Duties | 2 |
| Environment & Ecology | Climate Change & Global Initiatives | 2 |
| Science & Technology | Space & Defence Technology | 2 |
| Geography | World Human & Economic Geography | 1 |
| History & Culture | Heritage & Misc Culture | 1 |
Decoding the NDA I 2015 General Ability Test: A Strategic Blueprint for Aspirants
The National Defence Academy (NDA) entrance examination is more than just a test of knowledge; it is a test of temperament, speed, and analytical depth. As a mentor who has watched the evolution of UPSC patterns for over a decade, I view the NDA I 2015 General Ability Test (GAT) as a watershed moment. This paper serves as a classic template for what I call "The Science-Heavy Strategy." With 99 questions under the scanner in this analysis, the 2015 paper provides a masterclass in how the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) balances core academic disciplines with general awareness.
Understanding this specific paper is crucial because it debunked the myth that NDA is purely about "General Knowledge" in the trivia sense. Instead, it reaffirmed that the UPSC seeks candidates with a robust foundation in school-level sciences and a keen eye for Indian geography and history. For an aspirant today, looking back at the 2015 paper isn't just a history lesson—it is a diagnostic tool to identify high-yield topics that continue to dominate the NDA landscape. Let’s dive deep into the mechanics of this exam, which offered 150 minutes of intense mental engagement with a negative marking penalty of one-third of the marks assigned to each question.
Subject-wise Deep Dive: Where the Marks Lay
The 2015 GAT paper was uniquely skewed, offering a goldmine for students with a strong science background while challenging those who neglected the "General" aspect of the Humanities. Let’s break down the core pillars.
Science & Technology: The Powerhouse (51.5%)
With 51 questions, Science & Technology didn't just lead the paper; it dictated the final merit list. The focus was overwhelmingly on Basic Science (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology), which accounted for 48 out of the 51 questions. This is a clear signal that the UPSC expects future officers to have a technical grasp of the world around them.
- What appeared: Physics dominated with concepts of optics, motion, and electricity. Chemistry focused on everyday applications and periodic properties, while Biology touched upon human physiology and cell structure.
- Recommended Books: The holy grail here is the NCERT Science textbooks from Class 9 and 10. For Physics and Chemistry, selective reading of Class 11 and 12 NCERTs is essential.
- Common Mistakes: Most aspirants ignore the "Application" part of science. They know the formula for refractive index but fail to apply it to a real-world scenario like a "pencil appearing bent in water." Avoid rote memorization; focus on phenomena.
Geography: The Spatial Navigator (17.2%)
Geography stood as the second most important pillar with 17 questions. The paper showed a distinct preference for World Physical Geography (9 questions), focusing on atmospheric layers, pressure belts, and geomorphic processes.
- What appeared: Beyond World Geography, Indian Economic Geography (4 questions) and Indian Physical Geography (2 questions) played supporting roles. Questions on minerals, crops, and river systems were prominent.
- Recommended Books: Certificate Physical and Human Geography by Goh Cheng Leong is indispensable for World Geography. For the Indian context, NCERT Class 11 (India: Physical Environment) is your best friend.
- Common Mistakes: Neglecting map-based study. In 2015, questions required a mental map of India’s states and international borders.
History & Culture: The Narrative of India (12.1%)
History in 2015 was a balanced mix. The National Movement (1857–1947) and Ancient India shared the limelight with 4 questions each. This was a departure from papers that focus solely on the British era.
- What appeared: Questions on the Indus Valley Civilization and Buddhism represented Ancient India, while the Gandhian era and the Revolt of 1857 covered the National Movement.
- Recommended Books: A Brief History of Modern India by Spectrum (Rajiv Ahir) for the National Movement and RS Sharma for Ancient India. The Tamil Nadu State Board Class 11 History book is also a secret weapon for UPSC aspirants.
- Common Mistakes: Getting bogged down in dates. UPSC cares about the "Why" and "How" of history, not just the "When."
Polity, Economy, and Environment: The Minor but Critical Pillars
While these subjects contributed fewer questions (6.1% for Polity, 4% for Environment, and 2% for Economy), they often act as the "tie-breakers."
- Polity: Focused on Constitutional Basics & Evolution. Use M. Laxmikanth selectively—focus on the Preamble, Fundamental Rights, and the President.
- Environment: Focused on biodiversity and ecology. Shankar IAS Environment is the industry standard, but for NDA, basic concepts from Biology NCERTs often suffice.
- Economy: Stayed very basic. Focus on terms like GDP, Inflation, and Five-Year Plans. Ramesh Singh is too heavy; stick to NCERT Class 11 (Indian Economic Development).
Topic Trends & Pattern Analysis
The 2015 paper revealed a "Conceptual Shift." While earlier papers were more fact-heavy, the 2015 iteration began the trend of "Analytical Facts." For example, instead of asking "What is the capital of X?", the paper asked about the "characteristics of a specific soil type found in X."
The Dominance of Basic Sciences
The fact that nearly 50% of the paper was Science suggests that the examiner’s mindset was geared toward selecting candidates with a high "Scientific Temper." This aligns with the requirements of the Indian Air Force and Navy wings of the NDA, where technical proficiency is non-negotiable.
The Decline of Pure Current Affairs
In 2015, we saw a stabilization of static topics. While "Miscellaneous & General Knowledge" (7.1%) covered sports and awards, the bulk of the paper remained rooted in textbooks. This tells us that while you must read the newspaper, you cannot pass NDA on current affairs alone. The "Static" is your foundation; the "Current" is your edge.
Comparison with General UPSC Patterns
Unlike the Civil Services Examination (CSE), which is heavily tilted toward Polity and Economy, the NDA 2015 paper stayed true to its "General Ability" roots. It mirrored the CDS (Combined Defence Services) pattern in its Geography distribution but maintained a simpler level of complexity in History, making it more accessible to 12th-standard students.
Preparation Strategy: A Mentor’s Blueprint
To conquer a paper like NDA I 2015, your preparation must be a blend of depth and breadth. Here is how I recommend you allocate your time and resources.
Subject-wise Time Allocation
- Science (40% of your time): Since it carries half the weightage, you must master it. Spend two hours daily on Physics and Chemistry.
- Geography & History (30% of your time): These are high-volume subjects. Use weekends for extensive map practice and timeline building.
- English & Mathematics (Not covered here, but vital): Remember that GAT is only half the battle.
- Polity & Current Affairs (15% of your time): A daily 45-minute window for newspapers and a weekly review of Polity basics is enough.
The Resource List
Success in UPSC exams is not about reading ten books once; it’s about reading one book ten times. Stick to these:
- Polity: Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth (Focus on Parts I to V).
- History: India's Struggle for Independence by Bipin Chandra (for narrative) and Spectrum (for revision).
- Geography: NCERT Class 6–12. Do not skip the Oxford Student Atlas.
- Economy: Indian Economic Development (NCERT Class 11).
- Science: Lucent’s General Science for quick facts, but NCERT for conceptual clarity.
Online Resources
Utilize the Press Information Bureau (PIB) for authentic government data and the Official UPSC website to download previous years' question papers. Websites like ClearIAS or Insights on India can be helpful for specific static topics, but don't get lost in the "IAS-level" depth; keep your focus on the NDA syllabus.
Answer Elimination Techniques: The Art of Intelligent Guessing
In a paper with 99 questions and negative marking, your ability to eliminate wrong options is as important as your ability to find the right one. Most successful candidates in 2015 didn't know all 99 answers; they "solved" them.
1. The "Extreme Words" Rule
In Polity or Science questions, options containing words like "All," "Always," "Never," or "Only" are often incorrect. Scientific laws have exceptions, and Constitutional provisions have caveats. Be wary of these extremes.
2. Statement-Based Strategies
When faced with "Consider the following statements" questions, look for the statement you are 100% sure about. If Statement 1 is definitely wrong, eliminate all options containing "1." Often, this leaves you with the correct answer immediately.
3. Match the Following
These are "gift" questions. You usually only need to be certain about one or two pairs to find the correct combination. In 2015, Geography questions on rivers and tributaries could be solved using this method even if you only knew the major rivers.
4. The 50-50 Rule
If you can eliminate two options, you must take the risk. Statistically, over 10 such questions, the probability of gaining marks is higher than the penalty. However, if you have no clue, skip it. Blind guessing is the fastest way to fail NDA.
Current Affairs Integration: The Static-Dynamic Link
The 2015 paper showed that UPSC doesn't ask current affairs in a vacuum. If a particular country was in the news for an earthquake, the question might be about the "types of seismic waves" (Static Geography) rather than the date of the earthquake.
How to Build the Habit
- Daily: Read The Hindu or The Indian Express. Focus on the "Science & Tech" and "National" pages. Ignore political bickering.
- Monthly: Refer to Yojana for government schemes. While Kurukshetra is more rural-focused, Yojana provides the "official" perspective on issues like Digital India or Clean Energy, which frequently appear in GAT.
- Note-making: Don't write paragraphs. Use bullet points. If you read about a new missile test, note down its range, type (surface-to-air), and the agency (DRDO).
Smart Preparation Tips: The Final Stretch
Preparation for NDA is a marathon, not a sprint. Whether you have six months or a year, your approach must be structured.
The 6-Month vs. 1-Year Plan
If you have one year, spend the first six months building concepts from NCERTs. If you have six months, start with a "Reverse Learning" approach: pick a PYQ (Previous Year Question), see what topic it belongs to, and then read only that part of the textbook.
Revision Techniques: The 3-2-1 Rule
Read a topic 3 times, summarize it in 2 pages, and revise it 1 day before your mock test. Use Active Recall—instead of re-reading, close the book and try to explain the concept to an imaginary student.
Analyzing Mock Tests
Don't just look at your score. Analyze why you got a question wrong. Was it a "Silly Mistake" (lack of concentration), a "Conceptual Error" (didn't understand the topic), or a "Knowledge Gap" (never read the topic)? Fix the conceptual errors first.
Key Takeaways & Action Items
The NDA I 2015 paper is a reminder that the UPSC rewards the "Disciplined Generalist." To succeed, you don't need to be a scientist, but you must understand science. You don't need to be a historian, but you must know the story of your nation.
Top 5 Books to Prioritize:
- NCERT Science (Class 9 & 10) - Covers 50% of the paper.
- NCERT Geography (Class 11 - India Physical) - High ROI.
- Spectrum’s Modern History - For the National Movement.
- M. Laxmikanth - Selected chapters on the Constitution.
- Oxford Student Atlas - For visual learning.
Your Immediate Next Steps:
- Step 1: Download the NDA I 2015 GAT paper and solve it in a timed environment without any help.
- Step 2: Categorize your wrong answers. If you failed in the Science section, your NCERT foundation is weak.
- Step 3: Start a "PYQ Diary." Note down recurring topics like "Buddhism," "Fundamental Rights," and "Optics."
- Step 4: Commit to 30 minutes of map work every day. Geography is the easiest subject to score in if you know your maps.
The journey to the Khadakwasla academy is paved with the pages of these books and the discipline of your daily routine. The 2015 paper is your roadmap; now, it’s time to start the engine. Good luck, officer!
Complete Question Index - NDA I General Ability Test 2015
Click on any question number to practice and view detailed explanation:
| Q# | Subject | Practice Link |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 1 |
| 1 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 1 |
| 2 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 2 |
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| 14 | Geography | Solve Question 14 |
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| 15 | Geography | Solve Question 15 |
| 15 | Geography | Solve Question 15 |
| 16 | Geography | Solve Question 16 |
| 16 | Geography | Solve Question 16 |
| 17 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 17 |
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| 25 | Geography | Solve Question 25 |
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| 27 | Geography | Solve Question 27 |
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| 28 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 28 |
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| 35 | Geography | Solve Question 35 |
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| 36 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 36 |
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| 37 | Geography | Solve Question 37 |
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| 38 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 38 |
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| 47 | Economy | Solve Question 47 |
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| 48 | Geography | Solve Question 48 |
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| 49 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 49 |
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| 50 | Geography | Solve Question 50 |
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| 51 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 51 |
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| 56 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 56 |
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| 58 | Geography | Solve Question 58 |
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| 65 | Science & Technology | Solve Question 65 |
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| 73 | Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | Solve Question 73 |
| 73 | Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | Solve Question 73 |
| 74 | Environment & Ecology | Solve Question 74 |
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| 75 | Miscellaneous & General Knowledge | Solve Question 75 |
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| 81 | Economy | Solve Question 81 |
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| 82 | History & Culture | Solve Question 82 |
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| 91 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 91 |
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| 92 | History & Culture | Solve Question 92 |
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| 93 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 93 |
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| 94 | History & Culture | Solve Question 94 |
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| 96 | Polity & Governance | Solve Question 96 |
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